Our Purpose is to serve and protect the students, faculty, staff and visitors of Ferris State University. To further the academic pursuits of FSU in two ways: actually keeping people and property safe and in helping to create an environment where people feel completely safe.
Director MJ Bledsoe's 2011 Annual Report Message
The Department of Public Safety has authority over three areas of responsibility, those being police services, emergency management, and parking resources management. There is a very good reason why these distinct services are combined in our area when considering that the care of people and things important to them is our duty.
Police Services
Crime prevention, crime detection and criminal investigations all net the same general results, that is, an opportunity to reduce episodes of victimization and lessen fear of the same. Our overall crime is trending up slightly in 2011, as is it did in 2010. This trend is the same in surrounding areas. In analyzing this, there are several important factors to consider. First, our population is up a bit, that would naturally cause a rise in per capita crime. Next, our reporting options are up from what they were in the past. Probably the most important consideration is that property crimes, and crimes against people are down. That leaves the increase in public order crimes driven much by alcohol and minor drug use.
It is important to state in any case that while actual crime numbers are very low, as is the increase, each represents victims and every one of them deserves the best we can offer. Connecting with victims to solve their cases and see to their individual needs often begins with professionals at Public Safety caring and supporting. Absent a dedicated team of professionals preventing, detecting and solving crime, who knows what the numbers might be.
Emergency Management
The year 2011 was a very busy one for addressing important matters in the development of both emergency plans and personnel. As for plans, the final touches were put on the FEMA formatted new plan that has been under construction for nearly two years. The professionally developed plan to be retired is the one Marsh Risk Consulting crafted with and for us in early 2004. Although we had chosen to develop the new one in house we did hire a consultant, CEMA (Comprehensive Emergency Management Associates, Inc.), for the purpose of analyzing the gap between the plan and practices of the past with the objective of being even more prepared into the future.
As for personnel, the story centers on developing a professional to assume the responsibilities of the Assistant Director of Emergency Management once that position was vacated. A police officer is assigned to work traditional office hours to learn and then give guidance in emergency management. The process has been going well within the limitations of the officer having to continue to assume generalist police duties first.
Parking Resources Management
Given the geographic location of our beautiful campus in Big Rapids students rely heavily on their own vehicles for commuting from their homes, whether those homes are near to or distant from the University. We pride ourselves on having safe and convenient parking for those who choose to avail themselves of that resource. Fees have historically been very low, especially when compared to other Michigan institutions. Parking space and measures to enforce the regulations can always be the subject of much debate, regardless of which university is considered. We have met the challenges head-on and have developed incredibly good results, honoring the people having paid to use the services.
We have added some significant features to take customer service to a new level this year. We have expanded our online services making purchasing and paying fines much easier. This saves steps for users allowing them quicker access to reduce the need to park without a permit and risk enforcement action, and lesson the fine increase after 5 days.
Public Safety
1319 Cramer Circle
Big Rapids MI 49307-2128
231.591.5000 (office)
231.796.0169 (fax)
